Russia has started supplying free grain to African countries, noting a new stage in the Strategy for Expanding the Continent Impact. Bloomberg reports that these supplies are part of Russia's attempt to strengthen economic and political relations with African countries, as well as respond to the attempts of the United States and their allies to isolate Russia through invasion of Ukraine.
Africa remains an important area for Russia's foreign policy, and grain supply can be a tool for Moscow's exacerbation in the region. However, the volumes of bilateral trade in Russia and African countries remain small compared to other world players such as China.
It is noted that this step is part of a broader Russia strategy, including the direction of Wagner Merzes to support unstable governments. At the same time, the research funded by the Russian billionaire Fund Andrei Melnichenko is trying to reject Russia's accusations of growth in food prices and show the impact of sanctions on the world supplies of fertilizers and ammonia.
Other sources indicate that Melnichenko personally lobbies Russia's interests in South Africa and tries to solve the problems of supplying fertilizers to the EU. Russia tries to use grain as a means of influence and diplomacy, but it can also cause some reservations and criticism.
Despite Russia's attempts to strengthen its presence in Africa, experts note that the region remains a difficult field of struggle between different players, and Russia's success will depend on how well it will be able to interact with African countries and their needs.
